Sometimes it seems like our world--especially the business world--sees things in dichotomies. Often this is helpful. Either there was a profit or there wasn’t. But when these dichotomies move beyond analytical tools and start to affect our mindsets, it can become a problem.
Said another way, I’ve seen more times than I can count the ways that these dichotomies take over our mental processing. Either we’re operating out of a heuristic of right vs. wrong, strengths vs. weaknesses, or good vs. bad. I’m sure we’d agree that sometimes life and business are more complicated than these reductions.
One dichotomy I’m seeing more and more, especially since the pandemic hit, is the notion of scarcity vs. abundance. Of course, the toilet paper shortage of early 2020 showed us that people often act out of a sense of scarcity. But in different ways, I’ve noticed myself and my advisees’ new tendencies to protect our resources, whether that’s just our time or energy.
The Superpower Connection
It can be wise and good to protect our time and energy. These are finite resources. But I’m interested in how a scarcity mindset limits our growth and success.
After interviewing countless leaders and coaching clients and students, I’ve never found two identical combination of superpowers. There is always some core set of strengths that in their dynamism and collective contribution, that is uniquely ours, that nobody can ever quite replicate.
I really believe in the inimitability of our superpowers. This has been one of the great encouragements in my work: there is always enough to go around. We can be a better “us” or a worse “them.” There is an abundance when we focus on what makes us unique.
The Takeaway
When you’re feeling protective of yourself or like there’s not enough of you to go around, remember that in your superpowers, there is abundance. There is something you have to offer that only you can offer. Be confident in that.
Lisa Border's Enlightened Podcast: Life Lessons from a CEO Whisperer
Lisa Borders has depth of experience across multiple sectors. She's a Duke University Trustee, the former President of the WNBA, and former vice mayor of Atlanta. She is also one of the most fearless and loyal friends one can ever have. A visionary, she is always using her influence and platform to create positive change for society.
Lisa invited me to talk on her podcast, Enlightened, about blind spots and patterns of leadership excellence in some of the world's most impactful companies and organizations. We discuss crossing ecosystems and the change that comes from minding the knowledge gap, rejecting assumption, and being deliberate listeners.
Together, we examine the contemporary relevance of being a "guide on the side" versus a "sage on the stage". It is more important than ever for women to fight the urge to diminish our superpowers, share our wisdom, and embrace the enlightening art of co-creation. Have a listen to our conversation and to the other wonderful episodes in her Enlightened Series including the ones with Pau Gasol, Sue Bird, and Grant Hill.
What’s Next?
Thank you for reading this issue of Leadership Playbook: Unleashing Your Superpowers! The next issue - out April 27 will be a special issue that contains Chapter 1: In the Beginning, of the audiobook version of The Launch Book: Motivational Stories to Launch Your New Idea, Business, and Next Career.
Got a leadership, career, or superpowers question? Let me know via comments or email and I hope to answer them in a future issue.
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